Cookie-Dunking spoon

ABSTRACT

A cookie-dunking spoon that attaches to a glass of a liquid, is held by a hand of a user, holds a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, drains the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and cooperates with an interchangeable novelty item that has a depending through slot-engaging tab. The cookie-dunking spoon includes a handle and a tray. The handle attaches to the glass of the liquid, is held by the hand of the user, and cooperates with the interchangeable novelty item. The tray extends from the handle, holds the cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, and drains the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass. An alternate embodiment further includes a straw that extends along the handle.

1. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a cookie-dunking spoon, and more particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to a cookie-dunking spoon for attaching to a glass of a liquid, for being held by a hand of a user, for holding a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, for draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and for cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item having a depending through slot-engaging tab.

B. Description of the Prior Art

Children and adults alike have been dunking cookies into glasses of milk. Dunking cookies into the glass of milk, however, can be a somewhat messy undertaking. The dunking is easy at first, when the glass of milk is full, but as the glass of milk begins to decrease, it becomes increasingly difficult to dunk a cookie into the glass of milk and retrieve the cookie.

Inevitably, the person dunking the cookie into the glass of milk reaches a point where the cookie piece is too small to dip without also dipping the person's finger tips into the glass of milk. Other times, pieces of the cookie break off into the glass of milk.

Thus, there exists a need for a cookie-dunking spoon for attaching to a glass of a liquid, for being held by a hand of a user, for holding a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, for draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and for cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item having a depending through slot-engaging tab.

Numerous innovations for spoons have been provided in the prior art, which will be described below in chronological order to show advancement in the art, and which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, nevertheless, they differ from the embodiments of the present invention in that they do not teach a cookie-dunking spoon for attaching to a glass of a liquid, for being held by a hand of a user, for holding a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, for draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and for cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item having a depending through slot-engaging tab.

(1) United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2007/0068948 A1 to Friedman

United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2007/0068948 A1—published to Friedman on Mar. 29, 2007 in U.S. class 220 and subclass 501—teaches a hand-held food immersing apparatus to allow a user to immerse a food item in a container having a liquid. The apparatus includes a handle portion adapted to facilitate the user's grip on the apparatus, and a plurality of flexible, elongated, and outwardly curved members adapted to firmly grasp the food item therebetween. The apparatus is makable from a single piece of material, such as plastic, polymer, resign, wood, or metal, with a resistance to deformation, so that the apparatus provides pressure to retain the food item between the curved members. The curved members are alignable symmetrically to the main member. The curved members can have a bow shape, and the distal ends of the members are adaptable to apply pressure to the food item and facilitate alignment of a food placed between them.

(2) United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2009/0056560 A1 to Kowlessar.

United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2009/0056560 A1—published to Kowlessar on Mar. 5, 2009 in U.S. class 99 and subclass 484—teaches a sip and cookie dipper apparatus. The sip and cookie dipper apparatus includes a straw holder, a detachable cookie holder, and a cookie-holder attachment-mechanism. The straw holder defines a through bore with open opposite ends. At least one straw-stabilizing member is located inside the through bore. The cookie-holder attachment-mechanism is attached to the bottom end of the straw holder, and is used to reversibly attach the detachable cookie holder to the straw holder. In one embodiment, the detachable cookie holder includes first and second outer slots and a central slot. Removable side-inserts fit into the first and the second outer slots. Optional images of interest are disposed on the side-inserts. In another embodiment, the detachable cookie holder is a one-piece detachable cookie holder lacking the first and the second outer slots and the central slot, but having permanent sides in place of the removable side-inserts.

(3) United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2010/0295328 A1 to Fiorino

United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2010/0295328 A1—published to Fiorino on Nov. 25, 2010 in U.S. class 294 and subclass 137—teaches a cookie dunking spoon including an elongate handle having a first end and a second end that terminates in a drain tray, at its first end, and a hook, at its second end. The cookie dunking spoon can hold a cookie for dunking in a beverage so the user can consume the moistened cookie, and includes a spoon with a drain tray of any suitable configuration, such as, waffle shaped.

(4) U.S. Pat. No. US D629,263 to Pico et al.

U.S. Pat. No. US D629,263—issued to Pico et al. on Dec. 21, 2010 in U.S. class D7 and subclass 654—teaches the ornamental design for a cereal spoon.

(5) United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2012/0048125 A1 to Kowlessar

United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2012/0048125 A1—published to Kowlessar on Mar. 1, 2012 in U.S. class 99 and subclass 484—teaches a sip and dip cookie apparatus. The sip and cookie dipper apparatus includes an upper elongated portion configured to hold a straw, a lower portion configured to hold a cookie, and a cookie cover. The upper elongated portion and the lower portion are integrally connected to each other.

(6) U.S. Pat. No. US D661,163 S to Reeb.

U.S. Pat. No. US D661,163 S—issued to Reeb on Jun. 5, 2012 in U.S. class D7 and subclass 653—teaches the ornamental design for a cookie dunking spoon.

(7) U.S. Pat. No. 8,281,708 B2 to Kowlessar

U.S. Pat. No. 8,281,708 B2—issued to Kowlessar on Oct. 9, 2012 in U.S. class 99 and subclass 426—teaches a sip and cookie dipper apparatus. The sip and cookie dipper apparatus includes a straw holder, a detachable cookie holder, and a cookie-holder attachment-mechanism. The straw holder defines a through bore with open opposite ends. At least one straw stabilizing member is located inside the through bore. The cookie-holder attachment-mechanism is attached to the bottom end of the straw holder, and is used to reversibly attach the detachable cookie holder to the straw holder. In one embodiment, the detachable cookie holder includes first and second outer slots and a central slot. The removable side-inserts fit into the first and the second outer slots. Optional images of interest are disposed on the side-inserts. In another embodiment, the detachable cookie holder is a one-piece detachable cookie holder lacking the first and the second outer slots and the central slot, but having permanent sides in place of the removable side-inserts.

(8) U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,145 to Kowlessar

U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,145—issued to Kowlessar on Dec. 18, 2012 in U.S. class 99 and subclass 426—teaches a sip and dip cookie apparatus. The sip and cookie dipper apparatus includes an upper elongated portion configured to hold a straw, a lower portion configured to hold a cookie, and a cookie cover. The upper elongated portion and the lower portion are integrally connected to each other.

It is apparent that numerous innovations for spoons have been provided in the prior art, which are adapted to be used. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, nevertheless, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described, namely, a cookie-dunking spoon for attaching to a glass of a liquid, for being held by a hand of a user, for holding a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, for draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and for cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item having a depending through slot-engaging tab.

2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, it is an object of the embodiments of the present invention to provide a cookie-dunking spoon for attaching to a glass of a liquid, for being held by a hand of a user, for holding a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, for draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and for cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item having a depending through slot-engaging tab, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

Briefly stated, another object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a cookie-dunking spoon that attaches to a glass of a liquid, is held by a hand of a user, holds a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, drains the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and cooperates with an interchangeable novelty item that has a depending through slot-engaging tab. The cookie-dunking spoon includes a handle and a tray. The handle attaches to the glass of the liquid, is held by the hand of the user, and cooperates with the interchangeable novelty item. The tray extends from the handle, holds the cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, and drains the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass. An alternate embodiment further includes a straw that extends along the handle.

The novel features considered characteristic of the embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The embodiments of the present invention themselves, however, both as to their construction and to their method of operation together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments of the present invention when read and understood in connection with the accompanying figures of the drawing.

3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING

The figures of the drawing are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a first embodiment of the cookie-dunking spoon of the embodiments of the present invention attached to a glass of a liquid, being held by a hand of a user, holding a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item;

FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic perspective view in phantom of a first example of the interchangeable novelty item of the cookie-dunking spoon of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 1A in FIGS. 1 and 4;

FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic perspective view in phantom of a second example of the interchangeable novelty item of the cookie-dunking spoon of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 1B in FIGS. 1 and 4;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the first embodiment of the cookie-dunking spoon of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view of the tray of the first and the second embodiments of the cookie-dunking spoon of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 3 in FIGS. 2 and 5;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second embodiment of the cookie-dunking spoon of the embodiments of the present invention attached to a glass of a liquid, being sipped by the mouth of a user, holding a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the second embodiment of the cookie-dunking spoon of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 5 in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view of the straw of the second embodiment of the cookie-dunking spoon of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 6 in FIG. 5.

4. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING A. First Embodiment

10 first embodiment of cookie-dunking spoon of embodiments of present invention for attaching to glass 12 of liquid 14, for being held by hand 15 of user 17, for holding cookie 16 to be dunked in liquid 14 in glass 12, for draining liquid 14 from cookie 16 after cookie 16 has been dunked in liquid 14 in glass 12, and for cooperating with interchangeable novelty item 18 having depending through slot-engaging tab 19

12 glass of liquid 14

14 liquid in glass 12

15 hand of user 17

16 cookie

17 user

18 interchangeable novelty item

19 through slot-engaging tab of interchangeable novelty item 18

B. Overall Configuration of First Embodiment of Cookie-Dunking Spoon 10

20 handle for attaching to glass 12 of liquid 14, for being held by hand 15 of user 17, and for cooperating with interchangeable novelty item 18

22 tray for holding cookie 16 to be dunked in liquid 14 in glass 12 and for draining liquid 14 from cookie 16 after cookie 16 has been dunked in liquid 14 in glass 12

C. Specific Configuration of Handle 20

24 proximal end of handle 20 for being held by hand 15 of user 17

26 distal end of handle 20

28 intermediate point of handle 20 for cooperating with interchangeable novelty item 18

30 upper portion of handle 20 for being held by hand 15 of user 17

32 lower portion of handle 20

34 intermediate portion of handle 20 for cooperating with interchangeable novelty item 18

36 virtual terminal end of upper portion 30 of handle 20

38 virtual terminal end of intermediate portion 34 of handle 20

40 handle-holding spiral of proximal end 24 of handle 20 for facilitating holding handle 20 by hand 15 of user 17

42 tab-receiving through slot of intermediate portion 34 of handle 20 for interchangeably receiving through slot-engaging tab 19 of interchangeable novelty item 18

44 smooth and concave arcuate bend of upper portion 30 of handle 20

46 smooth and convex arcuate bend of intermediate portion 34 of handle 20

48 tab of handle 20

50 glass-receiving slot of handle 20 for receiving, so as to attach to, glass 12 of liquid 14

52 mouth of glass-receiving slot 50 of handle 20

D. Specific Configuration of Tray 22

54 body of tray 22 for holding cookie 16 to be dunked in liquid 14 in glass 12

56 liquid-draining perforations 56 of body 54 of tray 22 for draining liquid 14 from cookie 16 after cookie 16 has been dunked in liquid 14 in glass 12

58 perimeter of body 54 of tray 22

60 fence of tray 22 for capturing cookie 16 on tray 22

62 fenceless portion of fence 60 of tray 22 for allowing cookie 16 to be slide off of tray 22 and consumed after cookie 16 has been dunked in liquid 14 in the glass 12

E. Second Embodiment

110 second embodiment of cookie-dunking spoon of embodiments of present invention for attaching to glass 112 of liquid 114, for being sipped by mouth 115 of user 117, for holding cookie 116 to be dunked in liquid 124 in glass 122, for draining liquid 124 from cookie 116 after cookie 116 has been dunked in liquid 114 in glass 112, and for cooperating with interchangeable novelty item 118 having depending through slot-engaging tab 119

112 glass of liquid 114

114 liquid in glass 112

115 mouth of user 117

116 cookie

117 user

118 interchangeable novelty item

119 through slot-engaging tab of interchangeable novelty item 118

F. Overall Configuration of Second Embodiment of Cookie-Dunking Spoon 110

120 handle for attaching to glass 112 of liquid 114 and for cooperating with interchangeable novelty item 118

122 tray for holding cookie 116 to be dunked in liquid 114 in glass 112 and for draining liquid 114 from cookie 116 after cookie 116 has been dunked in liquid 114 in glass 112,

123 straw for being sipped by mouth 115 of user 117

G. Specific Configuration of Handle 120

124 proximal end of handle 120

126 distal end of handle 120

128 intermediate point of handle 120 for cooperating with interchangeable novelty item 118

130 upper portion of handle 120

132 lower portion of handle 120

134 intermediate portion of handle 120 for cooperating with interchangeable novelty item 118

136 virtual terminal end of upper portion 130 of handle 120

138 virtual terminal end of intermediate portion 134 of handle 120

142 tab-receiving through slot of intermediate portion 134 of handle 120 for interchangeably receiving through slot-engaging tab 119 of interchangeable novelty item 118

144 smooth and concave arcuate bend of upper portion 130 of handle 120

146 smooth and convex arcuate bend of intermediate portion 134 of handle 120

148 tab of handle 120

150 glass-receiving slot of handle 120 for receiving, so as to attach to, glass 112 of liquid 114

152 mouth of glass-receiving slot 150 of handle 120

H. Specific Configuration of Tray 122

154 body of tray 122 for holding cookie 116 to be dunked in liquid 114 in glass 112

156 liquid-draining perforations of body 154 of tray 122 for draining liquid 114 from cookie 116 after cookie 116 has been dunked in liquid 114 in glass 112

158 perimeter of body 154 of tray 122

160 fence of tray 122 for capturing cookie 116 on tray 122

162 fenceless portion of fence 160 of tray 122 for allowing the cookie 16 to be slide off of tray 22 after cookie 16 has been dunked in liquid 14 in glass 12

I. Specific Configuration of Straw 123

164 proximal end of straw 123

166 distal end of straw 123

168 intermediate point of straw 123

170 upper portion of straw 123

172 lower portion of straw 123

174 intermediate portion of straw 123

176 virtual terminal end of upper portion 170 of straw 123

178 virtual terminal end of intermediate portion 174 of straw 123

180 smooth and concave arcuate bend of upper portion 170 of straw 123

182 smooth and convex arcuate bend of intermediate portion 174 of straw 123

184 pair of spaced-apart straws of straw 123

186 mouthpiece of proximal end 164 of straw 123 for being sipped by mouth 115 of user 117

188 pickup of distal end 166 of straw 123

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A. The First Embodiment

Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to FIG. 1, the first embodiment of the cookie-dunking spoon of the embodiments of the present invention is shown generally at 10 for attaching to a glass 12 of a liquid 14, for being held by a hand 15 of a user 17, for holding a cookie 16 to be dunked in the liquid 14 in the glass 12, for draining the liquid 14 from the cookie 16 after the cookie 16 has been dunked in the liquid 14 in the glass 12, and for cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item 18 having a depending through slot-engaging tab 19. A pair of examples of the interchangeable novelty item 18 having the depending through slot-engaging tab 19 can best be seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. It is to be understood, however, that these pair of examples are for illustrative purposes only.

B. The Overall Configuration of the First Embodiment of the Cookie-Dunking Spoon 10

The configuration of the first embodiment of the cookie-dunking spoon 10 can best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The cookie-dunking spoon 10 comprises a handle 20 and a tray 22. The handle 20 is for attaching to the glass 12 of the liquid 14, is for being held by the hand 15 of the user 17, and is for cooperating with the interchangeable novelty item 18. The tray 22 extends from the handle 20, is for holding the cookie 16 to be dunked in the liquid 14 in the glass 12, and is for draining the liquid 14 from the cookie 16 after the cookie 16 has been dunked in the liquid 14 in the glass 12.

C. The Specific Configuration of the Handle 20

The specific configuration of the handle 20 can best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The handle 20 is slender, elongated, narrow in plan view, thin in side view, and generally serpentine/generally Z-shape in side view.

The handle 20 has a proximal end 24 for being held by the hand 15 of the user 17, a distal end 26, and an intermediate point 28. The intermediate point 28 of the handle 20 is disposed between the proximal end 24 of the handle 20 and the distal end 26 of the handle 22, and is for cooperating with the interchangeable novelty item 18.

The handle 20 further has an upper portion 30 for being held by the hand 15 of the user 17, a lower portion 32, and an intermediate portion 34. The intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20 is disposed between the upper portion 30 of the handle 20 and the lower portion 32 of the handle 20, and is for cooperating with the interchangeable novelty item 18.

The upper portion 30 of the handle 20 extends generally vertically downwardly from the proximal end 24 of the handle 20, to a virtual terminal end 36.

The intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20 extends generally horizontally forwardly from the virtual terminal end 36 of the upper portion 30 of the handle 20, to a virtual terminal end 38.

The lower portion 32 of the handle 20 extends generally vertically downwardly from the virtual terminal end 38 of the intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20, to the distal end 26 of the handle 20.

The proximal end 24 of the handle 20 is a handle-holding spiral 40. The handle-holding spiral 40 of the proximal end 24 of the handle 20 is for facilitating holding the handle 20 by the hand 15 of the user 17.

The intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20 has a tab-receiving through slot 42. The tab-receiving through slot 42 of the intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20 is for interchangeably receiving the through slot-engaging tab 19 of the interchangeable novelty item 18.

Each of the upper portion 30 of the handle 20, the intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20, and the lower portion 32 of the handle 20 is generally straight.

The virtual terminal end 36 of the upper portion 30 of the handle 20 forms a smooth and concave arcuate bend 44, as the upper portion 30 of the handle 20 transitions to the intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20.

The virtual terminal end 38 of the intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20 forms a smooth and convex arcuate bend 46, as the intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20 transitions to the lower portion 32 of the handle 20.

The handle 20 further has a tab 48.

The tab 48 of the handle 20 depends from the intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20, is disposed between the tab-receiving through slot 42 of the intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20 and the smooth and convex arcuate bend 46 of the intermediate portion 34 of the handle 20, and is further disposed behind, and generally parallel to, the lower portion 32 of the handle 20 so as to form a glass-receiving slot 50 therebetween having a mouth 52. The glass-receiving slot 50 of the handle 20 is for receiving, so as to attach to, the glass 12 of the liquid 14, via the mouth 52 of the glass-receiving slot 50 of the handle 20.

D. The Specific Configuration of the Tray 22

The specific configuration of the tray 22 can best be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The tray 22 extends generally perpendicularly outwardly from the distal end 26 of the handle 20, in a direction opposite to the handle-holding spiral 40 of the proximal end 24 of the handle 20.

The tray 22 has a body 54. The body 54 of the tray 22 is for holding the cookie 16 to be dunked in the liquid 14 in the glass 12, and further is generally disc-shaped for generally matching that of the cookie 16.

The body 54 of the tray 22 further has liquid-draining perforations 56. The liquid-draining perforations 56 of the body 54 of the tray 22 are for draining the liquid 14 from the cookie 16 after the cookie 16 has been dunked in the liquid 14 in the glass 12.

The body 54 of the tray 22 further has a perimeter 58, and the tray 22 further has a fence 60.

The fence 60 of the tray 22 extends partially around the perimeter 58 of the body 54 of the tray 22, leaving a fenceless portion 62, and is for capturing the cookie 16 on the tray 22.

The fenceless portion 62 of the fence 60 of said tray 22 extends at least 180° around the perimeter 58 of the body 54 of the tray 22, and is disposed opposite to the distal end 26 of the handle 20, for allowing the cookie 16 to be slide off of the tray 22 after the cookie 16 has been dunked in the liquid 14 in the glass 12.

E. The Second Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 4, the second embodiment of the cookie-dunking spoon of the embodiments of the present invention is shown generally at 110 for attaching to a glass 112 of a liquid 114, for being sipped by the mouth 115 of a user 117, for holding a cookie 116 to be dunked in the liquid 124 in the glass 122, for draining the liquid 124 from the cookie 116 after the cookie 116 has been dunked in the liquid 114 in the glass 112, and for cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item 118 having a depending through slot-engaging tab 119.

F. The Overall Configuration of the Second Embodiment of the Cookie-Dunking Spoon 110

The configuration of the second embodiment of the cookie-dunking spoon 110 can best be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The cookie-dunking spoon 110 comprises a handle 120, a tray 122, and a straw 123. The handle 120 is for attaching to the glass 112 of the liquid 114 and is for cooperating with the interchangeable novelty item 118. The tray 122 extends from the handle 120, is for holding the cookie 116 to be dunked in the liquid 114 in the glass 112, and is for draining the liquid 114 from the cookie 116 after the cookie 116 has been dunked in the liquid 114 in the glass 112. The straw 123 extends along the handle 120, and is for being sipped by the mouth 115 of the user 117.

G. The Specific Configuration of the Handle 120

The specific configuration of the handle 120 can best be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The handle 120 is slender, elongated, narrow in plan view, thin in side view, and generally serpentine/generally Z-shape in side view.

The handle 120 has a proximal end 124, a distal end 126, and an intermediate point 128. The intermediate point 128 of the handle 120 is disposed between the proximal end 124 of the handle 120 and the distal end 126 of the handle 122, and is for cooperating with the interchangeable novelty item 118.

The handle 120 further has an upper portion 130, a lower portion 132, and an intermediate portion 134. The intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120 is disposed between the upper portion 130 of the handle 120 and the lower portion 132 of the handle 120, and is for cooperating with the interchangeable novelty item 118.

The upper portion 130 of the handle 120 extends generally vertically downwardly from the proximal end 124 of the handle 120, to a virtual terminal end 136.

The intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120 extends generally horizontally forwardly from the virtual terminal end 136 of the upper portion 130 of the handle 120, to a virtual terminal end 138.

The lower portion 132 of the handle 120 extends generally vertically downwardly from the virtual terminal end 138 of the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120, to the distal end 126 of the handle 120.

The intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120 has a tab-receiving through slot 142. The tab-receiving through slot 142 of the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120 is for interchangeably receiving the through slot-engaging tab 119 of the interchangeable novelty item 118.

Each of the upper portion 130 of the handle 120, the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120, and the lower portion 132 of the handle 120 is generally straight.

The virtual terminal end 136 of the upper portion 130 of the handle 120 forms a smooth and concave arcuate bend 144, as the upper portion 130 of the handle 120 transitions to the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120.

The virtual terminal end 138 of the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120 forms a smooth and convex arcuate bend 146, as the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120 transitions to the lower portion 132 of the handle 120.

The handle 120 further has a tab 148.

The tab 148 of the handle 120 depends from the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120, is disposed between the tab-receiving through slot 142 of the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120 and the smooth and convex arcuate bend 146 of the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120, and is further disposed behind, and generally parallel to, the lower portion 132 of the handle 120 so as to form a glass-receiving slot 150 therebetween having a mouth 152. The glass-receiving slot 150 of the handle 120 is for receiving, so as to attach to, the glass 112 of the liquid 114, via the mouth 152 of the glass-receiving slot 150 of the handle 120.

H. The Specific Configuration of the Tray 122

The specific configuration of the tray 122 can best be seen in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The tray 122 extends generally perpendicularly outwardly from the distal end 126 of the handle 120, in a direction opposite to the proximal end 124 of the handle 120.

The tray 122 has a body 154. The body 154 of the tray 122 is for holding the cookie 116 to be dunked in the liquid 114 in the glass 112, and further is generally disc-shaped for generally matching that of the cookie 116.

The body 154 of the tray 122 further has liquid-draining perforations 156. The liquid-draining perforations 156 of the body 154 of the tray 122 are for draining the liquid 114 from the cookie 116 after the cookie 116 has been dunked in the liquid 114 in the glass 112.

The body 154 of the tray 122 further has a perimeter 158, and the tray 122 further has a fence 160.

The fence 160 of the tray 122 extends partially around the perimeter 158 of the body 154 of the tray 122, leaving a fenceless portion 162, and is for capturing the cookie 116 on the tray 122.

The fenceless portion 162 of the fence 160 of the tray 122 extends at least 180° around the perimeter 158 of the body 154 of the tray 122, is disposed opposite to the distal end 126 of the handle 120, and is for allowing the cookie 116 to be slide off of the tray 122 after the cookie 116 has been dunked in the liquid 114 in the glass 112.

I. The Specific Configuration of the Straw 123

The specific configuration of the straw 123 can best be seen in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The straw 123 is integral with the handle 120, and is one-piece therewith.

The straw 123 is slender, elongated, and generally serpentine/generally Z-shape in side view.

The straw 123 has a proximal end 164, a distal end 166, and an intermediate point 168. The intermediate point 168 of the straw 123 is disposed between the proximal end 164 of the straw 123 and the distal end 166 of the straw 123.

The straw 123 further has an upper portion 170, a lower portion 172, and an intermediate portion 174. The intermediate portion 174 of the straw 123 is disposed between the upper portion 170 of the straw 123 and the lower portion 172 of the straw 123.

The upper portion 170 of the straw 123 extends generally vertically downwardly from the proximal end 164 of the straw 123, to a virtual terminal end 176, and extends contactingly along, and behind, the upper portion 130 of the handle 120.

The intermediate portion 174 of the straw 123 extends generally horizontally forwardly from the virtual terminal end 176 of the upper portion 170 of the straw 123, to a virtual terminal end 178, and extends contactingly along, and below, the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120.

The lower portion 172 of the straw 123 extends generally vertically downwardly from the virtual terminal end 178 of the intermediate portion 174 of the straw 123, to the distal end 166 of the straw 123, and extends contactingly along, and behind, the lower portion 132 of the handle 120.

Each of the upper portion 170 of the straw 123, the intermediate portion 174 of the straw 123, and the lower portion 172 of the straw 123 is generally straight.

The virtual terminal end 176 of the upper portion 170 of the straw 123 forms a smooth and concave arcuate bend 180, as the upper portion 170 of the straw 123 transitions to the intermediate portion 174 of the straw 123, with the smooth and concave arcuate bend 180 of the upper portion 170 of the straw 123 extending contactingly along, and behind, the smooth and concave arcuate bend 144 of the upper portion 130 of the handle 120.

The virtual terminal end 178 of the intermediate portion 174 of the straw 123 forms a smooth and convex arcuate bend 182, as the intermediate portion 174 of the straw 123 transitions to the lower portion 172 of the straw 123, with the smooth and convex arcuate bend 182 of the intermediate portion 174 of the straw 123 extending contactingly along, and behind, the smooth and convex arcuate bend 146 of the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120.

The straw 123 is a pair of spaced-apart straws 184 so as to avoid blocking, by straddling, the tab-receiving through slot 142 of the intermediate portion 134 of the handle 120 and to avoid, by straddling, the tab 148 of the handle 120, as the straw 123 extends along the handle 120.

The pair of spaced-apart straws 184 of the straw 123 convergingly come together at the proximal end 164 of the straw 123 into a mouthpiece 186. The mouthpiece 186 of the proximal end 164 of the straw 123 is for being sipped by the mouth 115 of the user 117.

The pair of spaced-apart straws 184 of the straw 123 convergingly come together at the distal end 166 of the straw 123 into a pickup 188.

J. Impressions

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described as embodied in a cookie-dunking spoon for attaching to a glass of a liquid, for being held by a hand of a user, for holding a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, for draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and for cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item having a depending through slot-engaging tab, nevertheless, they are not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions, and changes in the forms and details of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated and their operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the embodiments of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the embodiments of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt them for various applications without omitting features from the standpoint of prior art fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of the embodiments of the present invention. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A cookie-dunking spoon for attaching to a glass of a liquid, for holding by a hand of a user, for holding a cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass, for draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass, and for cooperating with an interchangeable novelty item having a depending through slot-engaging tab, said cookie-dunking spoon comprising: a) a handle; and b) a tray; wherein said handle is for attaching to the glass of the liquid; wherein said handle is for being held by the hand of the user; wherein said handle is for cooperating with the interchangeable novelty item; wherein said tray extends from said handle; wherein said tray is for holding the cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass; and wherein said tray is for draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass.
 2. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 1, wherein said handle is: a) slender; b) elongated; c) narrow in plan view; d) thin in side view; and e) generally serpentine/generally Z-shape in side view.
 3. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 1, wherein said handle has: a) a proximal end; b) a distal end; and c) an intermediate point; wherein said proximal end of said handle is for being held by the hand of the user; wherein said intermediate point of said handle is disposed between said proximal end of said handle and said distal end of said handle; and wherein said intermediate point of said handle is for cooperating with the interchangeable novelty item.
 4. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 3, wherein said handle has: a) an upper portion; b) a lower portion; and c) an intermediate portion; wherein said upper portion of said handle is for being held by the hand of the user; wherein said intermediate portion of said handle is disposed between said upper portion of said handle and said lower portion of said handle; and wherein said intermediate portion of said handle is for cooperating with the interchangeable novelty item.
 5. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 4, wherein said upper portion of said handle extends generally vertically downwardly from said proximal end of said handle, to a virtual terminal end.
 6. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 5, wherein said intermediate portion of said handle extends generally horizontally forwardly from said virtual terminal end of said upper portion of said handle, to a virtual terminal end.
 7. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 6, wherein said lower portion of said handle extends generally vertically downwardly from said virtual terminal end of said intermediate portion of said handle, to said distal end of said handle.
 8. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 3, wherein said proximal end of said handle is a handle-holding spiral; and wherein said handle-holding spiral of said proximal end of said handle is for facilitating holding said handle by the hand of the user.
 9. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 6, wherein said intermediate portion of said handle has a tab-receiving through slot; and wherein said tab-receiving through slot of said intermediate portion of said handle is for interchangeably receiving the through slot-engaging tab of the interchangeable novelty item.
 10. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 4, wherein each of said upper portion of said handle, said intermediate portion of said handle, and said lower portion of said handle is generally straight.
 11. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 9, wherein said virtual terminal end of said upper portion of said handle forms a smooth and concave arcuate bend, as said upper portion of said handle transitions to said intermediate portion of said handle.
 12. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 11, wherein said virtual terminal end of said intermediate portion of said handle forms a smooth and convex arcuate bend, as said intermediate portion of said handle transitions to said lower portion of said handle.
 13. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 12, wherein said handle has a tab.
 14. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 13, wherein said tab of said handle depends from said intermediate portion of said handle; wherein said tab of said handle is disposed between said tab-receiving through slot of said intermediate portion of said handle and said smooth and convex arcuate bend of said intermediate portion of said handle; wherein said tab of said handle is further disposed behind, and generally parallel to, said lower portion of said handle so as to form a glass-receiving slot therebetween having a mouth; and wherein said glass-receiving slot of said handle is for receiving, so as to attach to, the glass of said liquid, via said mouth of said glass-receiving slot of said handle.
 15. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 8, wherein said tray extends generally perpendicularly outwardly from said distal end of said handle; and wherein said tray extends in a direction opposite to said handle-holding spiral of said proximal end of said handle.
 16. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 1, wherein said tray has a body; wherein said body of said tray is for holding the cookie to be dunked in the liquid in the glass; and wherein said body of said tray is generally disc-shaped for generally matching that of the cookie.
 17. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 16, wherein said body of said tray has liquid-draining perforations; and wherein said liquid-draining perforations of said body of said tray are for draining the liquid from the cookie after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass.
 18. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 3, wherein said body said tray has a perimeter; and wherein said tray has a fence.
 19. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 18, wherein said fence of said tray extends partially around said perimeter of said body of said tray, leaving a fenceless portion; and wherein said fence of said tray is for capturing the cookie on said tray.
 20. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 19, wherein said fenceless portion of said fence of said tray extends at least 180° around said perimeter of said body of said tray; wherein said fenceless portion of said fence of said tray is disposed opposite to said distal end of said handle; and wherein said fenceless portion of said fence of said tray is for allowing the cookie to be slide off of said tray after the cookie has been dunked in the liquid in the glass.
 21. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 13, further comprising a straw; wherein said straw extends along said handle; and wherein said straw is for being sipped by the mouth of the user.
 22. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 21, wherein said straw is integral with said handle; and wherein said straw is one-piece with said handle.
 23. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 21, wherein said straw is slender; wherein said straw is elongated; and wherein said straw is generally serpentine/generally Z-shape in side view.
 24. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 21, wherein said straw has: a) a proximal end; b) a distal end; and c) an intermediate point; and wherein said intermediate point of said straw is disposed between said proximal end of said straw and said distal end of said straw.
 25. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 24, wherein said straw has: a) an upper portion; b) a lower portion; and c) an intermediate portion; and wherein said intermediate portion of said straw is disposed between said upper portion of said straw and said lower portion of said straw.
 26. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 25, wherein said upper portion of said straw extends generally vertically downwardly from said proximal end of said straw, to a virtual terminal end; and wherein said upper portion of said straw extends contactingly along, and behind, said upper portion of said handle.
 27. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 26, wherein said intermediate portion of said straw extends generally horizontally forwardly from said virtual terminal end of said upper portion of said straw, to a virtual terminal end; and wherein said intermediate portion of said straw extends contactingly along, and below, said intermediate portion of said handle.
 28. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 27, wherein said lower portion of said straw extends generally vertically downwardly from said virtual terminal end of said intermediate portion of said straw, to said distal end of said straw; and wherein said lower portion of said straw extends contactingly along, and behind, said lower portion of said handle.
 29. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 25, wherein each of said upper portion of said straw, said intermediate portion of said straw, and said lower portion of said straw is generally straight.
 30. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 26, wherein said virtual terminal end of said upper portion of said straw forms a smooth and concave arcuate bend, as said upper portion of said straw transitions to said intermediate portion of said straw; and wherein said smooth and concave arcuate bend of said upper portion of said straw extends contactingly along, and behind, said smooth and concave arcuate bend of said upper portion of said handle.
 31. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 27, wherein said virtual terminal end of said intermediate portion of said straw forms a smooth and convex arcuate bend, as said intermediate portion of said straw transitions to said lower portion of said straw; and wherein said smooth and convex arcuate bend of said intermediate portion of said straw extends contactingly along, and behind, said smooth and convex arcuate bend of said intermediate portion of said handle.
 32. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 24, wherein said straw is a pair of spaced-apart straws so as to avoid blocking, by straddling, said tab-receiving through slot of said intermediate portion of said handle and to avoid, by straddling, said tab of said handle, as said straw extends along said handle.
 33. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 32, wherein said pair of spaced-apart straws of said straw convergingly come together at said proximal end of said straw into a mouthpiece; and wherein said mouthpiece of said proximal end of said straw is for being sipped by the mouth of the user.
 34. The cookie-dunking spoon of claim 32, wherein said pair of spaced-apart straws of said straw convergingly come together at said distal end of said straw into a pickup. 